The teachers and advanced students of the Shan-e-Punjab Dance, Performing Arts & Heritage School will be hosting a Visakhi festival, or Mela on Sunday, April 12 at Beckwith Park.
Taking place from noon to 4 p.m., the celebration will include Bhangra/Bollywood dance performances by up to 200 students, face-painting, bouncy castles, limited free food and a lot more. Visitors can pick up a Passport to Punjab card to check out the different stations and cultural activities throughout the afternoon, and even partake in a dance lesson.
“The greatest message of Visakhi should be considered a day of reflection for all of us, the believers of the Sikh faith and all others who care for the world and its peoples,” said organizer Sonia Grewal.
The event is a preview to Shan-e-Punjab’s year-end show – the 22nd Youth Cultural Showcase – on May 10 at the University of Victoria’s Farquhar Auditorium. Tickets to that event are $13 for adults, $10 for seniors. Sunday’s event is free.
“The teachers felt that we work so hard for the community all year round, why not have our classes and an opportunity to have fun too,” Grewal said.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy the festivities.
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